The 22-year-old Ghana winger has completed his move to the French Ligue 1in a deal worth around US$5 million.

Yartey talks about the atmosphere at the Stade Auguste Bonal and his objectives in the coming season.

The former SL Benfica winger has been speaking to the Captivating Ghana Sports newspaper in an exclusive interview.

How is the atmosphere at Sochaux?Everything is really fine. The team is a blend of young and experienced players.

How are you getting along with the players at your new club?

They all welcomed me very well. It is a like a family because most of the boys are academy graduate and the squad has been together for almost 3 years now. They are trying to make me feel home and I am happy with that.

You have been acquired to replace Modibo Maiga, how challenging is this?

Well I don’t see it as a challenge. The club have been monitoring me for a while now and they know my capabilities. I am only here to work hard as always to help the club achieve its objectives.

You have been given the jersey No 15, was that your favourite number?

That wasn’t my favourite number but the club gave it to me so I accepted it.

Sion, Borussia Monchengladbach, Lille and other clubs were after your signature. Why did you choose Sochaux?

Well there were clubs who were interested in me and showed the desire to get me. Sochaux were very keen to have me and they managed to convince me of how much they wanted me to be here.

How are you going to get along with the French culture?

Well I have no option than to try and adapt as quickly as possible because in everything there is the first time.

What are your immediate goals at Sochaux?

My immediate goals now are getting to know my team mates well and know how the team plays then will take the next step.

Sochaux managed to escape relegation last season. Are you aiming to qualify for Europe?

Well last season I joined Servette who were coming into the first division but I had a good season. I was the highest scorer for the club with 8 goals and we managed to qualify for the Europa League. So well Sochaux’s 14th position last season is past and I am looking forward to giving my maximum for the team to have a better placement this season.

How are you going to cope with the language?

I am already speaking a bit of French because it was the same language in Geneva. So it isn’t very new to me.

There’s too much African flavour at Sochaux, is this going to have any impact in your stay with the club?

Well it is always good to have people from Africa around you because we are all one. I am already getting use to them.

Kwakubaboni wrote:Catch 22 situation with 5 left footed midfielders who could all potentially make the final 23 squad. Ayew, Yartey, Atsu, Sulley and Kwadman. Is it prudent though? I dont think so. Dilemma for Kwasi Appiah.

sulley is out injured

i think all 5 can make it.presently only yartey is not part of the core.

5 left footed midfielders in a possible 8 man midfield in a final 23? Didnt Afranie do almost the same thing in 1984 with disastrous results. I was too young then so i cant vouch for that as fact though i heard my older brother and other older folk say that. We must have balance so i think 4 lefties and 4 righties wouldnt be bad. If i had my way Sulley would be dropped and Yartey put in his place if not now, hopefully by 2014.

but was CAN 1984 disastrous because of the leftees?let see how things shape up IF we qualify for CAN 2013. i see all 5 making it though.

That would mean one of these people will be dropped if they are available for selection Essien, Annan, D.Boat and Agyeman Badu. Who will it be?

I suggest we drop Jordan and Inkoom replace them with David Addy and Yartey.

Kwakubaboni wrote:Catch 22 situation with 5 left footed midfielders who could all potentially make the final 23 squad. Ayew, Yartey, Atsu, Sulley and Kwadman. Is it prudent though? I dont think so. Dilemma for Kwasi Appiah.

sulley is out injured

i think all 5 can make it.presently only yartey is not part of the core.

5 left footed midfielders in a possible 8 man midfield in a final 23? Didnt Afranie do almost the same thing in 1984 with disastrous results. I was too young then so i cant vouch for that as fact though i heard my older brother and other older folk say that. We must have balance so i think 4 lefties and 4 righties wouldnt be bad. If i had my way Sulley would be dropped and Yartey put in his place if not now, hopefully by 2014.

but was CAN 1984 disastrous because of the leftees?let see how things shape up IF we qualify for CAN 2013. i see all 5 making it though.

That would mean one of these people will be dropped if they are available for selection Essien, Annan, D.Boat and Agyeman Badu. Who will it be?

I suggest we drop Jordan and Inkoom replace them with David Addy and Yartey.

Yartey is the closes thing we have replacing Muntari. Both these player are left footers, eager to take on opponents, takes wild shots on targets, exhibit great workrate and posses great desire scoring goals. The difference is Muntari is big, strong and have a powerful left foot shot but Yartey makes it up by speed to take on defender and cover more space.

Ghana winger Ishmael Yartey has praised Sochaux’s team spirit after Saturday’s pre-season friendly 1-1 draw with Bundesliga side Freiburg at the Kaiserstuhlstadion.

The 22-year-old was deployed on the left wing by coach Eric Hely and he set up striker Sloan Privat on the 12th minute mark for the opener.
It was Yartey’s third pre-season game for Sochaux and he lasted 65 minutes for the Montbeliard-based side.
“It was a great game and the team is getting to very well. I like the way I played today because I set up the opener. I hope we maintain this composure,” Yartey said.

Yartey joined Sochaux on a four-year deal from Portugese side Benfica.